Oh, where to start. I began learning Perl way back in, geez, 1995? I guess that is about the time I got my first home PC.

I started learning Perl for my own benefit, and to hopefully get into a better job at work. What it got me was a nine month stint on a R&D project: a prototype, proof-of-concept, CGI database access project for what was really nothing more than stats analysis and data mining. This kind of thing was totally new to my department and possibly my company (probably why it was in R&D, huh?).

Even though I was totally new to Perl, and really only had a little exposure to C and ADA (yeah, this was a Government contract) as structured languages, and some REXX and CLIST s‎crip‎ting and FORTRAN on the mainframe (yuk!), I managed to turn out some readily re-usable code in only a short time, and really impressed a lot of people.

From there, I started writing my own programs for my own things, both at work and at home. I eventually got tired of that job and left it for greener pastures at a financial services company doing Web related things.

Since starting this job, I have received numerous awards (something I never saw at my last job - in 13.5 years!) for "side projects" that have all been Perl related. I am not big on these awards since my entire background has been pretty much in a behind-the-scenes, support-type of role, but it sure feels good to know I am actually recognized for my Perl knowledge. If you read this node, you will see why this is such a big deal.

Okay, enough about history. Let me think of something else about which I can ramble...

 today

As I mentioned above, I am at a financial services company now, working in a Web Release Management group, where I am finding more and more ways to slip Perl into the position and gain more support for it as a viable language. After all, it was/is the language of the Web, right? Again, my node mentioned above kind of outlines my Perl troubles at work.

As a side-line to my day job, I am working with a co-worker from the day job, who is, himself, a local ISP. Along with the ISP, he does Web hosting, and I have been putting my Perl talents to the test with some CGI work. Interesting stuff!

<plug type="blatent"> If anyone is looking for an ISP or hosting (with Perl!), he has numbers across the US available - email or /msg me in the CB. </plug>(also let me know if this is inappropriate for my home node...)

 tomorrow

Oh, I don't really know what I want to do when I grow up. I am looking to make a living out of programming in Perl, but that may be a couple of years off right now. For now, I just plan to keep learning all I can, and help all those I can, too! Hey, if anyone has an opportunity for a Perl programmer to work from home (full|part time), please let me know! That is probably the most requested job around the Monastery here, but heck, can't hurt to ask, right?!

 quotes for work

» I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...
» Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done.
» How do I set a laser printer to stun?

 family ties

As you can see by the geek code below, I am happilyMarried With Children.  wife: Karen  daughter: Victoria  son: James  daughter: Abigail

 nodes that don't show in my writeup list

These are nodes to which I have added something, but have not received record on my Writeups list.